Echinopsis plant named ‘Mardi Gras’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct Echinopsis cultivar named ‘Mardi Gras’ is disclosed, characterized by distinctive large flowers of golden yellow with a vermillion mid-stripe. Flowering occurs more than once between Spring and Fall, continuing as late as August or September. Plants have a distinctive upright morphology. Echinopsis is an ornamental cactus, useful as an indoor ornamental plant and outdoors in warm climates.

Latin name of the genus and species: Echinopsis hybrida.

Variety denomination: ‘MARDI GRAS’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The new cultivar, Echinopsis ‘Mardi Gras’, was developed by theinventor, Renee O'Connell, as the result of a crossing made March 2012as part of a planned breeding program. The seed parent variety is theunpatented proprietary variety referred to as Echinopsis hybrida ‘Yel08’, a member of the Chamaelobivia group of Echinopsis. The pollenparent is the unpatented proprietary variety Echinopsis hybrida ‘Wint17’, a member of the Lobivia group. Echinopsis ‘Mardi Gras’ was selectedby the inventor, Renee O Connell, in April of 2013 from a group ofseedlings resulting from the 2012 crossing, at a commercial greenhousein Vista. Calif.

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘Mardi Gras’ was firstperformed in Vista, Calif., at a commercial greenhouse, by vegetativeoffsets, known as “peanuts” in April of 2013. ‘Mardi Gras’ has sinceproduced multiple generations and has shown that the unique features ofthis cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘MARDI GRAS’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat withvariations in environment such as temperature, day length, and lightintensity, without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe the unique characteristics of ‘MARDI GRAS’ These characteristics incombination distinguish ‘MARDI GRAS’ as a new and distinct Echinopsiscultivar:

-   -   1. Large flower in comparison to other similar Echinopsis        hybrids of the Chamaelobivia group.    -   2. Petals exhibit a unique color combination of bright golden        yellow gold contrasted by vivid vermillion mid-stripe    -   3. Extra petals contribute to a “cup and saucer” appearance of        the flower    -   4. Flowering occurs at repeatedly times during the flowering        season, rather than only one time, as compared to some other        Echinopsis hybrids. Plant still flowering late August.    -   5. Very upright habit in contrast to many other Echinopsis        hybrids with prostrate or pendulous habits.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘MARDI GRAS’ are similar to plants of theseed parent, in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants ofthe new cultivar ‘MARDI GRAS’ differ in the following;

-   -   1. ‘Mardi Gras’ produces flowers with underside of petals a        contrasting color, whereas ‘Yel 08 ’ produces flowers of one        color.    -   2. ‘Mardi Gras’ produces thicker apical spines than Echinopsis        hybrid ‘Yel 08’.    -   3. ‘Mardi Gras’ is more floriferous than Echinopsis hybrid ‘Yel        08’.    -   4. ‘Mardi Gras’ produces more offsets than Echinopsis hybrid        ‘Yel 08’.    -   5. The flowers of ‘Mardi Gras’, have more petals per flower,        than those of Echinopsis hybrid ‘Yel 08’.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘MARDI GRAS’ are similar to plants of thepollen parent, in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants ofthe new cultivar ‘MARDI GRAS’ differ in the following;

-   -   1. ‘Mardi Gras’ has larger flowers than Echinopsis hybrid ‘Wint        17’.    -   2. ‘Mardi Gras’ is more resistant to the pathogen Bipolaris        cactivora (Helminthosporium cactivorum) than is Echinopsis        hybrid ‘Wint 17’    -   3. The flowers of Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’, due to the        extra petals per flower, are more double-flowered than those of        Echinopsis hybrid ‘Wint 17’.    -   4. The flowers of the Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ have at        least two colors, whereas the flowers of the Echinopsis hybrid        ‘Wint 17’ are one color.    -   5. The flowers of the ‘Mardi Gras’ can occur in several, very        heavy flushes of flowers over a long span of flowering of 6-7        months, whereas the flowers of the Echinopsis hybrid ‘Wint 17’        occur in less heavy flushes, and the flowering span is only 3        months.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘MARDI GRAS’ are comparable to theunpatented, commercial variety Echinopsis ‘Fire Chief’. The twoEchinopsis varieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics;however, the new variety ‘MARDI GRAS’ differs in the following:

-   -   1. Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ produces flowers with at least        two colors, whereas those of Echinopsis hybrid ‘Fire Chief’ are        a monotone orange.    -   2. Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ produces many more offsets        than does Echinopsis hybrid ‘Fire Chief’, aiding in faster        production of plants for commercial sales.    -   3. Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ grows faster than does        Echinopsis hybrid ‘Fire Chief’, accelerating production times in        the commercial nursery.    -   4. The flower size of Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ is larger        than the flower size of Echinopsis ‘Fire Chief’    -   5. Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ exhibits several heavy flushes        of flowers over a 6 to 7 month flowering span, whereas        Echinopsis hybrid ‘Fire Chief’ does not produce these flower        flushes, and the flowering span is only 1-2 months.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘MARDI GRAS’ can also be comparable to theunpatented commercial variety Echinopsis ‘Westfield Alba’. The twoEchinopsis varieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics;however, the new variety ‘MARDI GRAS’ differs in the following:

-   -   1. Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ produces much larger “peanuts”        (vegetative offsets) than does Echinopsis ‘Westfield Alba’,        aiding in producing a saleable plant faster.    -   2. Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ grows at a faster rate than        does Echinopsis hybrid ‘Westfield Alba’, thereby enhancing        production and reducing production time.    -   3. Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ grows with a more upright        morphology, unlike the prostrate, pendulous habit of Echinopsis        hybrid ‘Westfield Alba’.    -   4. Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ produces flowers with at least        2 colors, whereas Echinopsis hybrid ‘Westfield Alba’ has        monotone white flowers.    -   5. The flowers of Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ are much larger        than those of Echinopsis hybrid ‘Westfield Alba’.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs illustrate in full color typical of plantsof Echinopsis ‘Mardi Gras’ grown in a greenhouse in Vista, Calif. Age ofthe plant photographed is approximately 5 months from a vegetativeoffset, “peanut”. The photographs were taken using conventionaltechniques and although colors may appear different from actual colorsdue to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventionalphotographic techniques. All photographs provided by the breeder.

FIG. 1 illustrates in full color in close-up of the flower of Echinopsishybrid ‘Mardi Gras’, grown in a greenhouse (approximately 3000 to 4000foot candles) in Vista, Calif.

FIG. 2 illustrates in full color Echinopsis hybrid ‘Mardi Gras’ in 1gallon pot with spent flowers.

FIG. 3 illustrates in full color the plant morphology of Echinopsishybrid ‘Mardi Gras’

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart, 2007, except where general terms ofordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observationsand measurements describe ‘Mardi Gras’ plants in a commercial shadehousein Vista, Calif. Temperatures ranged from 34° F. to 90° F. night andday. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemicaltreatments were given to the plants. Natural light conditions wereapproximately 3000-4000 foot candles of light. Measurements andnumerical values represent averages of typical plant types.

-   Botanical classification: Echinopsis hybrida ‘MARDI GRAS’.

PROPAGATION

-   Type of propagation typically used: Vegetative offsets known as    “peanuts”.-   Time to develop roots: About 3 to 4 weeks at approximately 22° to    26° C.-   Root description: Densely fibrous.

PLANT

-   Age of plant described: Approximately 4 to 5 months.-   Container size of the plant described: 9 cm.-   General plant description: Columnar, clump forming small cactus.-   Growth habit: Upright, with a moderate quantity offsets forming    clumps from base.-   Plant spread: Approximately 6.0 to 9.0 cm, in a 4 inch pot    approximately 4 months old.-   Plant height: Approximately 9 to 20 cm.-   Growth rate: Rapid.-   Quantity of offsets: 2 to 10 present on a 4 inch pot, at the end of    the growing season, in September.-   Stem description:    -   -   Diameter.—4 to 5 cm.        -   Height.—9 to 20 cm.        -   Color.—Near RHS Green 143C.-   Areole:    -   -   Spacing.—Approximately 5 mm apart on rib.        -   Quantity.—Approximately 500 per mature stem.-   Spine/thorn description:    -   -   Arrangement.—Spines radially arranged. Average 12 ribs of            spines vertically linear, nearly straight, minor spiral.            Ribs spaced approximately 6 to 10 mm apart. Central spine            approximately 6 mm, colored near Greyed-Purple 187A. Radial            spines approximately 3 to 4 mm, colored near Orange-White            159C. Dense trichomes approximately 1 mm colored near            Greyed-Yellow 161C.

FLOWER:

-   Natural flowering season: Approximately Spring until Fall in    Southern California. Flowers constantly present, with 2 or more    flushes of abundant flowering occurring.-   Inflorescence type and habit: Open funnel form. Reduced tube length    open, radial flower of 2 to 3 whorls.-   Flower longevity on plant: 1 to 2 days.-   Quantity of flowers: 4 inch pot has approximately 3 to 7 flowers and    buds.-   Individual flower size:    -   -   Diameter.—9 cm.        -   Flower tube length.—4 cm.        -   Flower tube length.—2.5 cm.        -   Flower tube diameter at distal end.—2.4 cm.        -   Flower tube diameter at proximal end.—1.0 cm.-   Petals:    -   -   Petal arrangement.—Double or triple whorl.        -   Length.—Average range 2.8 to 3.2 cm.        -   Width.—0.9 cm.        -   Quantity.—Typically 20 to 25.        -   Texture.—Glabrous all surfaces.        -   Appearance.—Very shiny upper surface, moderately shiny lower            surface.        -   Margin.—Entire.        -   Tip shape.—Cuspidate.-   Color:    -   -   Petals.—When opening: Upper surface: Centermost streak near            Red 46B, streak fading outwardly to Orange-Red 34A. Largest            part of petal surface Yellow-Orange 14B, margin Yellow 12A.            Lower surface: Centermost streak near Red 46B, streak fading            outwardly to Orange-Red 34A. Largest part of petal surface            Yellow-Orange 14B, margin Yellow 12A. Fully opened: Upper            surface: Centermost streak near Red 44B, streak fading            outwardly to Red 44B and 44C. Largest part of petal surface            Yellow-Orange 14A, margin Yellow 12B. Center streak covers            approximately ⅓ of width. Lower surface: Centermost streak            near Red 44B, streak fading outwardly to Red 44B and 44C.            Largest part of petal surface Yellow-Orange 14A, margin            Yellow 12B. Center streak covers approximately ⅓ of width.            Fading: Petals fading to, upper and lower: Faint centermost            streak near Orange-Red N34B. Largest part of petal surface            Yellow 12A.        -   Flower tube color.—Inner Surface: Near RHS Red 47B. Outer            Surface: Near RHS Orange-White 159B, flushed Greyed-Orange            N170D.-   Bud:    -   -   Shape.—Oblong.        -   Length.—Approximately 7 cm.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 3.5 cm.        -   Color.—Near RHS Yellow 11B, dotted Orange 26A.-   Peduncle:    -   -   Length.—Average 2.0 to 3.0 cm.        -   Diameter.—0.9 cm.        -   Color.—Adaxial section near RHS Greyed-Green 194C. Abaxial            section near Orange-White 159A.        -   Orientation.—Straight, occurring at approximately 15° angle            from stem.        -   Strength.—Very strong.        -   Texture.—Villous, moderately dense.-   Sepals:    -   -   Shape.—Quantity per flower: Average 10.        -   Length.—Approximately shortest: Average 1.5 cm longest: 3.5            cm.        -   Width.—Approximately 0.4 cm.        -   Margin.—Entire.        -   Texture.—Glabrous and shiny all surfaces.        -   Color, upper and lower surfaces.—Near RHS Greyed-Red 181C,            faint center streak near Greyed-Red 179C.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

-   Stamens:    -   -   Number.—Average range 120 to 230.        -   Filament length.—Average 1.5 cm.        -   Filament color.—Near RHS Greyed-Red 181C and 181D, both            colors present individually.-   Anthers:    -   -   Shape.—Oblong.        -   Length.—Approximately 1.5 mm.        -   Color.—Near RHS Yellow 9C.        -   Pollen.—Color: Near RHS Yellow 10C. Quantity: Scant.-   Pistil:    -   -   Number.—1.        -   Length.—Approximately 5.0 cm.        -   Style.—Length: Approximately 2.7 cm. Color: Near RHS            Yellow-Green 144C.        -   Stigma.—Shape: 2 parted, each section folded inward. Size: 8            mm long, 5 mm wide. Color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 154A.        -   Ovary.—Length: 12 mm. Shape: Narrow oblong. Texture:            Sericeous, sticky. Color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145C.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

-   Fruits and seeds: Seed pods broad ovate, average range 1.2 to 1.5 cm    in length, about 9 mm in diameter. Colored near Green 138B,    sericeous, hairs near White 155A. Low to moderate seed production,    seeds colored near Greyed-Orange 177A.-   Temperature tolerance: USDA zones 10 and above.-   Disease/pest resistance: More resistant to the pathogen Bipolaris    cactivora (Helminthosporium cactivorum) Neither resistance nor    susceptibility to other pathogens or pests of Echinopsis observed.-   Drought tolerance: Extreme tolerance for drought.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Echinopsis plantnamed ‘MARDI GRAS’ as herein illustrated and described.